Acid.
Soil treatment can involve both acid and alkali solutions. Acid treatments are used to lower soil pH for crops that prefer acidic conditions, while alkali treatments are used to raise soil pH for plants that thrive in alkaline environments. The choice between acid or alkali treatment depends on the specific needs of the plants being grown.
A soil is acidic because there are compounds within it which dissolve in water to form an acid. An acid is defined as a substance which readily gives out protons to oter molecules. An alkali is the converse, in that it is a proton acceptor and readily takes on protons. Treating an acidic soil with an alkali would neutralise the soil, and so the soil would become less acidic. If enough alkali is added, the soil will become neutral, and it will become alkaline if even more alkali is added.
Artificial fertiliser tends to be more acidic in nature. It can lower soil pH levels over time if not balanced with other soil amendments.
Soil treatments can be either acidic or alkaline depending on the specific treatment being applied. Lime-based treatments, for example, can make the soil more alkaline, while sulfur-based treatments can make the soil more acidic. It is important to test the soil pH before applying treatments to ensure they are appropriate for the specific needs of the soil and plants.
As in all acid-base (alkali) reactions, it will reduce the acidity of the soil and, if there is an excess of base to acid, it can make the soil become alkaline. The soil will be less acidic if base is less than acidity, become neutral (if base = acidity), or become alkaline if base is greater than acidity.
Very few plants thrive in a soil that is truly alkaline - that is, above pH7 (7 being neutral, neither alkaline nor acidic). Those that do, such as the peony and alfalfa will tolerate only up to about pH7.5, or just barely alkaline. The vast majority of plants prefer slightly acidic soil, between pH 6 and 7, but a few such as the orchid and the blueberry will thrive in very acid soil as low as pH4.5.
Sulfuric acid is commonly used to lower pH in alkaline soils, making it more acidic. Lime, calcium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide are examples of alkalis used to raise pH in acidic soils, making it more alkaline. These chemicals help balance soil pH levels, allowing for optimal plant growth and nutrient availability.
Soil can be either acidic, neutral, or alkaline, depending on its composition and pH level. Factors such as the type of rocks and minerals present, organic matter content, and environmental influences all contribute to the acidity or alkalinity of soil. Testing the soil pH is important for determining its acidity or alkalinity.
Some soil is more acidic that others.
Lime contains an organic acid known as citric acid. Its formula is C6H8O7.
Broccoli is a Brassica so grows best in alkali soil.
Acid rain can lower soil pH levels, which can impact crop health and nutrient availability for plants. It can also damage plants by directly exposing them to acidic substances, affecting growth and production. Additionally, acid rain can leach important nutrients from the soil, leading to nutrient deficiencies in crops.